On gold, investment, and sustainability

Is gold really sustainable? Let’s talk about "green gold" investment. 

Gold has long been seen as a safe-haven asset, but as sustainability leaders, we must also ask: At what environmental and social cost?

Traditional gold mining is energy-intensive, water-consuming, and often linked to deforestation, toxic waste, and human rights violations. According to the World Gold Council, producing a single gold ring generates over 20 tons of mine waste.

Enter green gold investment, a new wave of gold sourced through responsible mining, recycled gold, or blockchain-traceable supply chains. Backed by initiatives like:

- Responsible Gold Mining Principles (RGMPs) by the World Gold Council,

- Increased focus on urban mining and recycled gold,

- Technologies ensuring traceability and chain-of-custody transparency.

In 2022, recycled gold already made up 29% of global supply, and this share is growing. Investors and financial institutions are increasingly applying ESG screens to precious metals portfolios, prioritizing low-impact and ethically sourced gold.

As we navigate the AI-driven, resource-intensive future, let’s not forget: even gold must go green.

Green gold is not just a trend, it’s a critical step in aligning wealth preservation with planet preservation.